Local Living Italy—Sorrento

About Italy

Get a taste for Italian life on this one-week trip to Sorrento, located just around the corner from the Amalfi Coast. Replete with gorgeous scenery and all the fantastic food and drink you’d expect, you’ll unwind on an organic lemon farm where a local family will be your hosts, giving you an in-depth look at what life at an Italian agriturismo is like. Learn how the famous limoncello liquor is made. Walk along the stunning coastline, a visit to the elite island of Capri and a stop at Pompeii. Don’t be a tourist in Italy — live the dream.

Make yourself at home at an Italian agriturismo outside of Sorrento for a week, hike the famous Path of the Gods, explore chic resort towns and historic villages, savour delicious home-cooked Italian food made from local ingredients, stroll the streets of picturesque Capri

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. For our Pompei visit we also use an expert local guide.

Group Size Notes

Max 12, Avg 8.

Meals Included

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. On this trip, you have included 7 continental breakfasts and 6 hearty farmhouse dinners, home-cooked by the family who run the Agriturismo using local and often organic ingredients.

Transport

Minibus, boat, walking.

About our Transportation

On this trip we will mostly use private vans but also a public ferry or two. The scenery along this part of Italy is dramatic, but the cliffs and mountains of the coastline make for some extremely windy and occasionally precipitous roads – pack some motion sickness medicine if you think you´ll need it!

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), locally-owned agriturismo/guesthouse (5 nts).

About Accommodation

For the duration of our trip we stay at the same agriturismo. Located about a 30-minute walk uphill from Sorrento, our accommodation is at a working lemon farm that has opened its doors to tourism. The ‘agriturismo’ is surrounded by open terraces and groves of lemon trees protected by wooden pergolas made with chestnut. Enjoy meals in an open-air dining area that overlooks the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The rooms are comfortable and welcoming, all with ensuite bathroom and lovely rural views.

PLEASENOTE: All rooms listed as “TWIN” can be requested as a “DOUBLE”. Please let your GCO (Global Connection Officer) know at time of booking if you would like a Double Room.

If you would like to share a room with your travelling companion, please make sure you book together, selecting twin or double room according to your preference. Available room types are always shown on each particular tour, and we cannot guarantee your room type will be able to be changed at a later date. If you are unable to book at the same time as your travelling companion, please contact us directly as soon as possible so that we can check availability and , if possible, assign you to the correct room type.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

GETTING TO HOTELCORRERA 241:

From Train Station:

When you arrive in Napoli Centrale train station, exit towards the front of the station and follow the signs for METRO Linea 1. This Line 1 has recently opened up to Piazza Garibaldi which is the big Piazza you will see upon exiting the station with all the works in progress that are happening. Walk down to the Metro station called Garibaldi. You will be able to see route maps. The stop you are looking to hop off at is called Dante. It is the third stop from Garibaldi. Once you have exited the Dante stop, you will find yourself in a big piazza with a statue of Dante Alighieri in the middle that will be closed off with an archway and buildings to one side. It opens up on the other side where you will find a main road called Via Toledo. Cross Via Toledo leaving the piazza behind you and turn right, walking along the sidewalk. Via Correra is the second alley on your left as you walk along. The Hotel Correra 241 is about 30 metres along that street. You should see the sign for Correra 241 as you enter the street. It is on your right hand side.

Upon arrival to the train station, you can also take a taxi and ask for “conventional rate” to historical center which is 13 euro.

From Airport:

If you wish to take a taxi, the official rate to the historical center is 23 EUR.

You also have an option to take the public bus called Alibus. Buy the tickets onboard. Cost is 3.30EUR.
Get off in Piazza Garibaldi and then either take the taxi or the tube as above.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

We recommend departing from the Naples airport, however if you choose to depart from Rome airport you can catch a train from Naples to Rome Termini (around 3hrs). From there you can catch a train or bus to the airport – please allow 1 hour from Rome Termini station to the airport. We do not recommend booking a flight before 4pm. We suggest you do NOT pre-book train/bus tickets in advance – your CEO will be there to organize it when the trip starts.

What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, as well as on and off transportation.

As our Agriturismo is in the countryside, there is no convenient self-service laundry. We recommend you bring biodegradable washing soap for any hand-washing you may need to do.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area (see below), however they may not stay longer than three months in any 6-month period.

For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all.

Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement.

A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Italy is in the Eurozone and the unit of the currency is the Euro.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Greece – Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, traveller’s cheques and cards is best. Avoid relying on traveller’s cheques alone as these are less and less readily cashed as clients use them very little.

Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

Usually included in international air ticket

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2).

Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €30-40 per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

Please see the itinerary for information on optional activities, descriptions and estimated pricing.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and mind your personal belongings

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Local Dress

In Italy, shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals.
Beachwear is not acceptable in towns.
Ask your CEO for more specific advice.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

12

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guide.

PRODUCT_LINE: EISO, ID: 23109

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Naples

Welcome to Naples, home to the best pizza of the world. As your fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until your group meeting at 6pm this evening, so check in to the hotel (check in time is approx 3pm) and enjoy the city.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Naples/Sorrento (1B, 1D)

We head off by private transport to our accommodation, an agriturismo just outside of Sorrento. En route, visit the famed site of Pompeii, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. After a tour with an expert local guide, there will be some free time to explore on your own before heading to our accommodation.

Additional Notes:
For the duration of our trip, we stay at the same agriturismo. Located about a short taxi ride uphill from Sorrento, our accommodation is at a working lemon farm that has opened its doors to tourism. The ‘agriturismo’ is surrounded by open terraces and groves of lemon trees protected by wooden pergolas made with chestnut.

Day 3 Sorrento (1B, 1L, 1D)

Start off the day with a tour of the agriturismo to learn the history of the property and more about lemon cultivation. Later, learn to make one of the area’s specialties – pizza!

Included Activities:
Agriturismo Tour
Pizza-Making Demonstration

Day 4 Sorrento (1B, 1D)

The path can be rough underfoot and a little exposed, but well worth it for the spectacular scenery and the chance to be so close to nature and “the Gods”. The outstanding beauty of the Amalfi Coast can only be fully appreciated on foot.

The walk finishes in Positano where you will have time to explore the bustling resort if you wish. Take a scenic public boat ride back to Sorrento.

Wind down the day with a limoncello tasting before heading back to the agriturismo.

Additional Notes:
Please note the Walk of the Gods is temporarily closed due to weather and deterioration. We are closely monitoring the closure and will resume offering the hike once it has been re-opened. As an alternate, a private transfer to Positano will be included on this day allowing for free time to explore the cliffside village.

Included Activities:
Walk of the Gods Hike
Limoncello-Making Demonstration

Transport:
Boat (1.00-2.00 hours)

Day 5 Sorrento (1B, 1D)

For those looking to take a stroll around town, start at the Piazza Tasso to get a feel for the hustle and bustle of local life. Make your way to the Basilica, shop for handmade goods such as ceramics and lace-work, or stop at one of the lively restaurants around the square for a bite of Neapolitan fare (seafood, anyone?). Then head down to the marinas for some time by the sea.

Day 6 Sorrento (1B, 1D)

Board a ferry to Capri. Hop on board the ‘funicolare’ to explore Capri Town’s piazza. The Caprese salad is named after this town, and, of course, there is also locally produced limoncello, made with the island’s lemons. Walk along the trails on the island, go swimming, or brush shoulders with the more well-off island inhabitants at fancy shops.

Included Activities:
Capri Excursion

Transport:
Ferry (1.00 hour(s))
Ferry (1.00 hour(s))

Day 7 Sorrento/Naples (1B)

Transfer to the Naples train station in the morning where the tour ends upon arrival.

Additional Notes:
This tour ends upon arrival at the Naples train station at approximately 11am. If you opt to stay at the agriturismo in Sorrento until checkout time at 11am, we will gladly help you to arrange any onward transport at your own cost.